Blurb-

Say hello to Raghav, an immature, insensitive person who is apathetic about everyone else except himself. His life revolves around his parents and his friends. He is among the bad books of all his Teachers. Until one day, when Trisha, a new entrant; mesmerizes him at the very first glance. He finds a friend, savior, nurturer and an inamorata in her. Just when he thinks that everything has been set out in a picture perfect manner, life throws a series of ghastly surprises at him. Will he change for good or stick to his immature stand of “My Life, my rules” and screw it all up? This tale journeys across all the ups and downs a student could possibly encounter. The transformations that a student may endure, the courage and guts one needs to have in order to dodge all predicaments and eventually sketch the perfect end to all his agonies.

Review-

Blemishing the odds, as the name suggests, is the story about how Raghav, the protagonist overcomes all the struggles that life throws at him and emerges successful. It is a story which tells you that the mere presence of your loved ones gives you enough motivation and strength to face life.

Raghav is a young boy studying in Std. VIII. Life for him is all play. He is a spoilt brat. He doesn’t keep good company at school. He is not in good terms with his teachers too. Trisha joins his class and Raghav develops a crush on her. He wishes to befriend her. But Trisha is a studious girl. She is ambitious. Do they become friends? Yes. They do. Raghav faces the most dreadful setback of his life. His mother is diagnosed with cancer. Raghav doesn’t lose hope. This story is about how Raghav emerges successful.

I liked the way this story has been narrated. The school days, their talks, their group study sessions made me miss my childhood. The manner in which Raghav tackles his problems, the maturity that he shows at such tender age, the way he stands like a rock of determination is worth appreciating.

Ratings-
Book Title and cover- 3.5/5
Language and Narration- 3/5
Characterization- 3
Story line and Plot- 3/5

Hello everyone
Today we have Niraj Satnalika, author of 8 Days a Week, Published by Half Baked Beans.

Tell us about yourself.

To earn my living, I am currently employed with a leading investment bank in Bangalore. Previously, I worked with Crisil Ltd in Mumbai. Academically I am nearing completion of PhD from IIT Bombay. Prior to this, I have completed MBA in Finance from IMT Ghaziabad and B.Tech from Heritage Institute of Technology, Kolkata.

Also, I run a non-profit NGO which helps the underprivileged children get access to education. Being closely attached with education, I also co-founded a start-up, MeTrack, in education space. The product is currently in the beta testing mode and aims to bridge the gap between parents and teachers.

What brought you in this writing world?

I would say Books are one’s best friend as they don’t have any demands/ expectation. In order to communicate and struggle with zillions of thoughts in my mind, I started penning down.

What after writing?

Live in the present and enjoy the current moment. I don’t generally plan much for future as whenever I have planned, the opposite has happened. I strongly believe life is too dynamic to be planned before hand.

What made you write 8 Days a Week?

While I was at B-school, I saw fellow batch-mates chasing grades as if this is the end of the world and probably low grade would not allow them to survive. This made me feel that now people are more concerned for marks and not the practical real world experience. I found people accepting sales profile job with different companies even if they are not interested in the same just to get placed and beat the heat of placements.

Post MBA also, whenever I met people from sales field everyone cribbed and yet continued the bandwagon. This whole world of sales then motivated me to have a closer look and that’s how the product 8 Days a week was born.

Tell us a name of a fictional character that resembles you and why?

I would choose Ron as his work shows his passion. Even if he was struggling with targets at the end he loved sales. While switching job also he joined the new organisation in sales profile only.

According to you what is the real meaning of literature?

Well, literature for me is the best means to put forward one’s thought. I believe it to be a plain vanilla method which helps you in communicating, fighting, learning and doing much more with the outer world. It helps you realise your inner being as well.

Names of authors you follow. And why?

Devdutt Patnaik. I like his correlation of mythological concept in the field of economics, science etc. He very well brings out mythology in his work which is easy to understand for a layman while ensuring it’s not boring either.

Anything about your upcoming work?

I am working on two titles. Though the names are not yet finalized, it could be “Escape from Corporate Hell- How I Squirmed Through and Survived?” and other would be “Virginity and Psychology”.

Follow your passion, make it your profession and you will never hate your job. By the end of the day when you look back, while leaving your workplace, and if feel you have contributed (in any manner) for the improvement of the organisation and yourself, think you have utilized your time and made an impact. Impact matters rest everything can wait.

Blurb-

Niraj Satnalika- investment manager turned writer takes a sneak peak in the world of sales – a department which makes business possible through his second novel Rohan aka Ron was super excited to join sales department in a leading financial services company post his amazing 2 months internship experience. Just like a drug peddler, Rohan peddled with complex financial products ranging insurance to credit cards to mutual funds. However, little did he know that his life as a sales person would change his professional and personal life for the better and worse. Read on to unfold the mystery.

REVIEW-

8 days a week is hilarious book written by debutante Niraj Satnalika. This book serves us story of normal sales officer in very hilarious way.

Book Title and Cover- Book Title is apt and interesting. Cover hints us about the numbers and job. Both title and cover are complementing each other. Blurb is short and interesting. Overall First Impression of our book demands attention of readers.

Language and Narration- Language is lucid with decent narration. Narration of the book surely engages readers with the book. I loved the humour content and Hindi verses.

Storyline and Plot- This book is all about Sales officer. It tells us his ups and downs, his hard work to meet targets, his frustration in very hilarious way without losing interest of readers. Author has done commendable job with this satirical and humorous book.

Ratings-
Book Title and cover- 3.5/5
Language and Narration- 4/5
Storyline and Plot- 4/5

Final Rating- 4/5

All in all this book serves unique storyline and plot with guaranteed laughs. I would recommend this book to sales officers and readers who read humour/comedy content.